COSA

Members of a Circle of Support and Accountability (CoSA) work as a team of three or more volunteers with one Core Member - someone returning to Franklin and Grand Isle Community from incarceration.  CoSA Volunteers meet regularly with the Core Member to provide support and mentoring, while ensuring that the Core Member is accountable for their actions. Core Members who are accepted into the program will have expressed a desire to change and must be committed to following the guidelines of the program.  CoSA Volunteers will also work with other community stakeholders to establish expectations for the Core Member with regard to behaviors, responsibilities and community public safety. 

The Volunteer commitment to the program and Core Member is for one year. The CoSA team meets for one hour per week and volunteers are encouraged to spend one-on-one time with the Core Member once a relationship has been established. Training for volunteers consists of a one-time CoSA training (in-person or remote) that is required prior to interacting with a Core Member.  A Vermont Department of Corrections volunteer orientation and site-specific training are required every 2 years.  Additional training is encouraged as needed.  In some cases, we may be able to form a CoSA team before the Core Member is released from incarceration, allowing us to begin meetings inside of the facility prior to release.  CoSA Volunteers play a crucial role in the Reentry Program by helping to guide Core Members on a path to becoming a contributing member of the community. By offering your time, compassion and energy, you will join a growing network of people who are committed to the safety of the community, and the successful reentry of Core Members. 

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